davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15
THE Kansas City Times says of the

message:
cit was undoubtedly a message of
surprises. 1t went so out of the beat
ell path. Its brevity was so remark
able. 1t was so free from the intermin-
able platitudes of the essay, and SO
bereft entirely of the sing-sOng in
antilles that nobody needs OF reads.
1t was so stripped to the buff as if it
meant fight. 1t was so frank, so in
,enuous, and SO. bold. 1t took the
public so in confidence, and talked to
it as to a reasonable entity, not herd
of sheep following bell-wether. 1t
cut SO to the quick with hand that
never trembled. 1t went so to the
marrow of the evilest thing which eff
fects the country, that many held their
breath, many waited for others to
speak, many shouted Amen" and
many sought to break the force of it's
onset by classifying it's arguments and
misinterpreting its words. No matter
its reception, however, if but one
single purpose it accomplishment
purpose of putting the people to think
ing. At last, and under a form of
government like this, the people are the
final judges. The bands which bid
a party together may be all iron.
Sectional likes and dislikes may do
much to keep communities or popu-
lations apart for years. Under the
influence of hates and passions
engendered by a mighty civil war the
survivors may go far to pass laws that
hurt all alike, and perpetuate systems
that know no flag or principle in their
eXtOrtions and their expressions; but
day comes when all these elements of
cohesion will dissolve ike rope of
sand, and when the whole mass of the
American people must come up togeth-
er and discuss and determine what is
best for their practical material, and
every day physical wants"
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

1--WE HAD good supply of natural
gas would it not somewhat lessen the
terrors of threatened coal famine?
Not that there is any local famine
threatening us; but we all know that
should blizzard of any length visit
the western part of the state we would
have trouble getting coal through to
this point. Moral-go on with the gas
and fuel prospecting hole.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15
POLITICAL DRIFT.
Paragraphs From our Nelgnoors
on the Present Layout.

Mr.. Blaine has been heard from on
ssthe message" By the by, he'll never
write one. all the same.-Leavenworth
Sun.
Let's see-is it next April or May
that the Maine Republicans convene!
And meantime Mr.. Blaine is out OF
politics? Oh yes; certainly.
Mr.. Cleveland has made a platform
for the democrats; Mr.. Blaine has made
one for the republicans. The lines are
drawn up and the battle has already
begun. Ellsworth Democrat.
John Sherman's platform OF protec-
ton and bloody shirt is altogether too
Anticipated for progressive members OF
lis party. The Chicago Tribune repudi-
ates it unequivocally.- Arkansas Val
ley Democrat.
A plank that ought to be put into
the next republican national platform:
Resolved, That we heartily approve the
action of our esteemed opponents the
democratic party, in restoring to the
people % 900, 900 acres of public land
Mcpherson Democrat.
Mr.. Cleveland'S message makes Mr..
Blaine his opponent in the next cam
paign. The friends of protection will
rally around the man from Maine.
That he knows it is demonstrated by
his long Paris interview printed i'll the
morning papers.-Lawrence Standard.
1t is noticeable fact that most
young men now vote the democratic
ticket. They vote on the issues of the
present, and not ON those of 1861.
There is nothing to attract them to the
republicans. There is nothing to make
young men interested in the obsolete
issues of the Ellsworth Democrat.
The tone of the mugwump press is
that they are not necessarily tied to
Mr.. Cleveland, but that the republi-
cans must put up a better man than
Blaine or any of his kind else they will
suffer overwhelming defeat in 1885,
Wyandotte Herald.
Owing to the honest, reform methods
of a democratic administration, the
annual deficits, for defraying the ex-
penses of the postoffice establishment.
which have, for number of years.
amounted from eight to fifteen million
annually, have been steadily reduced
until the last deficiency was about one
million dollars, and is confidently esti-
mated that before the close of the cur
rent year the postoffice department will
be running on a paying basis.-Wyan-
dotte Herald.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

Oh TIE SIXTH page of the DEMO
Graf will be found President Cleve-
lands message, TIL" "nicn there never
was better one read befo.~ cni'eu
States congress. Read it over "a.
fully. and know that you are reading
the utterances of next president of
these United States.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15
LAND OFFICE AT LARssED, KAN,
NoveF,haF 10 1897

Notice is hereby given that the following named
settler has filed notice OF his intention 10 make final
proof IN support Of his claim, and that said proof
will be made before the Probate Judge of Barton
county, Kansas, AT Great Bend. on january 81 lfs,
viz Nelson Compton, Declaratory Statement No
6i, Tor the south west quarter OF section 10, town
ship IS south, range II west
He names the following witnesses to prove his
continuous residence upon and cultivation of said
land, viz: Charles MatsOn and j. w. Smith, Of
Great Bend, Kansas. and L. Mury and Stephen
Brown, of Mahervile, Barton county, Kansas,
3s-iS w. i. BRowNLEE Register.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15
LAND OFFICE AT LAnxED, K s:s-

Notice is hereby given that the following-named
settler has ed notice of his intention make final
proof in support Of his claim, and that said PROOF
viii lie made before the Clerk OF the District Court
of Barton county, nj Great Bend kansaS, On Janu-
arv 81. 1855 viz Frank Eelcler. Deelaratory
Statement No. 554, fur the NORTH west quarter 81
section 81 township IS south. range u west
He names the following witnesses 10 prove his
continuous residence upon. and cultivation or SAID
land. viz: l. II. Nenest and Charles Mitchell OF
Ellinwood Barton county, Kansas, and Lewis
Kenteh and Sid Crane, Of Great Bend, Barton coun-
=, ", Kansas. -. =.
31-42 w. X. BROW NLEEB heSister.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

WE HAVE heard of spontaneous COM
bustion in a good many things, but the
report that spontaneous combustion in
bale of hay was the cause of a fire in
a livery stable in Council Grove recent
ly is the latest freak credited to Mr..
Spontaneous Combustion.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

IF WE was not married man we
would probably be rejoicing that leap
year is so hear. As we are married
man of some years land few hairs)
standing we can but feel a sort of
hungering to throw out some kind of
warning to the young and innocent un-
married gentlemen of our acquain-
lance. "All is not gold that is yaller,' y
boys, and uneasy lies the head that
wears a married mans hat-some-
times.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15
Rise in Wheat.

Jim Porter and Tom Jones, two
gentleman of color, sold two bags OF
wheat to the Walnut Greek Mills very
recently. In a short time they re
turned with two more bags. The
millers suspected that all was not
right, and soon caught on that they
were buying their own wheat, which
the colored gentlemen had stolen from
the elevator of the mill.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

SEWARD people get their coal supply
from Great Bend. BY the way, won't
some one explain why it is that a coal
famine is threatened in western Kan
sas at time when the winter has been
unusually mild and warm?
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

Ladies heavy rubber cotton hose,
only 15c, at the Famous. 26*m
The only sure way to guard against
a coal famine is to burn wood.
Ladies and Misses Rubber Boots, at
the FAMOUS.
26&m
About the only thing that ticks"
nowadays is the Office clock.
See those new Toboggans at the
Famous. 26*;m
The defeated candidate always runs
ahead of his ticket.
You will save money by buying
ru bier boots and shes at the Famous.
26A;m
How a man must hate himself who
is the father of a dude.
Just the thing to buy this cold
weather is those legins, at the Famous.
26'Em
Fools and children sometimes mis-
construe metaphors.
We will give you better bargains in
clothing than any house west of Kan
sas City. FAMOUS. 26*m
The hero of to-day was the crank of
yesterday.
The Famous has just received a fine
lot of Ladies Jackets, which they are
selling cheap. Ladies call and see
them before they are all gone.
26*m FAMOUS.
A house mover is not of necessity a
shop-lifter.
Remember that on Dec. 24th we
Will give away fine plush cloak.
26*m FAMOUS
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

JOHN j. INGALLS,, of Kansas. WELD
ed the gavel and called to order the
fiftieth congress of the United States,
Kansas takes no back seat. She gets
to the front in all things.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

The Barton County DEMOCRAT is
one of the recent additions to our ex-
change table. II is an able democratic
exponent.-Scott City Sentinel.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

ESTIMATES are made by the Boston
Herald that over 81 100000 have been
sent from Boston alone in 1887 for in
vestment i'll the west. This is certain
ly substantial evidence that there is
general confidence in the east in our
rapid and steady development. While
some men without faith or desernment
may cry out against such rapidity in
development, others with better judg-
ment can see the certainty of our pros
porous future, and profit by it.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1887-12-15

The holders of Kansas farm mort
cages need not be III the least appre-
hensive of the ability Or disposition of
Kansas mortgagors to pay thsiF iudebt-
edness, principal and interest in full.
he records Of the last ten yeaEs will
-siler per cent. of default in
80" q Sii.'-- ->s and foreclosures
in Tss on mortgah- State west
III Kansas than in any othe 49, -
Oh the Missouri. AS a rule, Kansa
farmers are among the promptest- pay
ers IN the country.-Manhattan Indus
tridlist.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27
Damage From Barbed-WIre Fence.

Justice Magic, of the supreme court
of New Jersey, has made decision on
the subject of barbed-wire fences which
will be of wide interest. 1t appears
that one Hudson, had field enclosed
with barbed-wire fence, and Mr.. Po-
lax owned a fine colt which he put to
pasture in field adjoining that of
Hudson. The colt received injuries
from the fence which necessitated its
being killed, and POlak sued Hudson
for its value.
Judge Magic, in delivering an opin-
ion inathe case, as follows:
INC owner of a field has right to
erect any fence without taking into
consideration the natural habits of the
animals that are liable to be kept in the
adjoining field, their habits in their
playfulness, their disposition to stray,
even their disposition to break through,
and that any fence which is likely, from
the habits of the animals, to produce
injury to them, is illegal, and the person
erecting it is liable for the damage it
does"
If this decision shall be sustained in
the general adjudication of the subject
it will be greatly detrimental to the
barbed wire fence industry. 1t is said
that the barbed wire manufacturers will
interest themselves in the case, and will
appeal it to the higher courts.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27
Let the People Select Them.

When Legislator Mathers, of the
New Jersey House of Representatives,
moved the other day to pass joint res
olution requesting the Senators and
Representatives from that state in Con-
gress to vote for the passage of law
to have United States Senators elected
by vote of the people, there was much
applause. An ordinary law, unfortu-
uately, would not accomplish the OBJ
ject, since it is by the constitution itself
that the two Senators from each state
are "chosen by the Legislature thereof
for six years." but the applause that
greeted the motion shows how the feel
ing of popular disgust with the pre-
valent method of choosing Senators,
and with the character of many of
those selected for that high Office, is
spreading.
The design of a Senate is that it
shall act as curb or check on the
House, whose members, coming directly
from the people, it was thought, with
out such a restraining influence, being
at times chosen under the influence of
strong popular excitement, might 60 to
dangerous extremes in legislation.
But it has come to be almost too much
of curb or check. 1t has come to be
a check upon all wholesome legislation,
a combine of millionaires, filling
purchased seats, and debating and vot-
ing chiefly in behalf of the corporations
and other exclusive interests Of the
country against the masses. There
are some good men in the Senate, but
few of the Democrats and much
larger number of the Republicans have
reached it, if not by open bribery, at
least by influences equivalent to bribs
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27
An Unjust Law.

One of the laws that an effect will
be made to repeal this winter, is the
act passed last winter authorizing rail-
road conductors to exact extra fare
from persons who do not purchase tick
els before entering the cars. There
v as no necessity for such law. and no
justice in it. There are very FREQUENT
cases in which a passenger cannot pur-
chase ticket before entering the cars.
;.It the conductor seldom takes the
passengers word for it. He assumes
to know more about it than the person
who has just entered the cars, or takes
j. for granted that the latter is living.
II railroads cannot trust their en-
r,oyes, but think they will steal. the
travelling public should not be taxed to
keep opportunities out of their reach
Troy Chief.
The ChiG is right in saying that the
law should be repealed, for it is law
which robs innocent people to build up
few. And as the legislature was
strongly Republican, the passing of such
a law only shows how strongly allied
the Republican party is to the interest
OF monOpolies and railroads. Will the
present Republican legislature have the
backbone to repeal it, Thereby acting in
tie interest Of the people. We viii
BBe.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

cry, End have no fitness to be considered
representatives, either OF the doctrines
upon which our government is found
ed, or of the people for whom they pre-
sumo to speak.
4 change of the constitution provid-
ing for their election by the people
would not perhaps totally exclude the
class of men of whom we speak, but it
would be likely to lessen their number
and, at least in close states, give a
greater chance to men of brains and pa.
triotism. The change, therefore, is
one devoutly to be wished. 1t could be
made without doing violence to the
theory engrafted into the constitution
in this and other provisions, that the
states should be equally represented in
one of the coordinate branches of Con.
gress. There would still be two Sen.
ators from each state. The smaller
states would still be provided against
possible danger from selfish cOmbina.
ton of the larger states. But the char
acter and calibre of the body would be
improved. The people would have the
deciding of the matter. 1t would not
be left to mere money bags and conniv.
ing politicians.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

A few weeks more and spring will be
here, and with it Abilene will receive
a boom such as it has never had before
Every one who is interested in the vel
fare of this city, and desires to see the
boom become permanent, should unite
and each and all work tremendously to-
gether, having the same end in view
the advancement of Abilene'S interest
and growth. Embrace every Oppor-
tunity in saying and doing good thing
for Abilene, for it behOOves every i'll
dividual to exert their utmost endeavors
in building up our beautiful city.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

The REFLECTOR is for the interest of
Abilene and Dickinson county every
time, but it looks to us, and especially
by past actions, that all this bond vot-
ing talk is more in the interest of the
lnen who have plated new additions to
the town, than to the people. A close
observer can see at glance that the
benefited ones hOb-nob and rub heads
together, and that outside of the ring,
or rings, 10 one is benefited or even
thanked for their good will and hard
work in the premises. Before the RE-
FLECToR advocates the voting of more
bonds TO railroad corporations We must
have something more tangible that the
road will be built, than we have had il
the past.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

s. Ellison, has returned from an extend
ed business sojourn at La Crosse. He
has been engaged in buying grain. He
is well pleased with that town and
vicinity, and contemplates establishing
an elevator there.
The school entertainment at the
opera house on Saturday night was a
success in many ways. The drama,
"Out in the Streets" was well rendered
by the actors, considering the fact that
they were all novices in the art histri-
onic. Logan Fancheras "Col. Wayne
displayed good deal of force, and was
rather the favorite of the audience.
Little Miss Maggie Erwin as Minnie, -
was, in her sweet childish simplicity
as good as the best. Walter DAILY as
Pete" made too much fun for some
of the auditors, keeping the little folks
in a tumIIlt of laughter and applause,
and rendering himself, with them, the
star. In the farce, 1.-The Dutchman's
Ghost" John Coversil made splendid
''Hans Barth," and Miss Mabel Roe
seemed the real. original Mrs. Burple. u
Forbes orchestra furnished the music.
Besides, several pleasing selections were
given by Prof. Holmes quartette.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27
Music.
Prayer
MtISfe
Union Centre Literary.

A goodly number of the citizens OF
Union Centre and vicinity met, as usual,
on Friday, and discussed an interesting
literary program.
In the absence of President Ackers,
who is visiting friends in the east, vice
President Niesley presided in his ac-
custOmed manner.
Rhetorical exercises were of usual in
terest, the song of Misses Katie and
Oracle Lower deserving special notice.
Women Suffrage question was dis
cussed, both affirmative and negative,
bringing out some interesting and
amusing points.
The society had the pleasure of en-
tertaining visitors from the fair "City
of the Plains" Come again, friends,
you are always welcome.
Adjourned to meet Friday eve, 7:3O
O'Clock. Buzz.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

While comments are heard about the
Confederate brigadierS in Congress,
t.ie unanimity with which the Reprbli-
can Legislators are sending such peace
a,lo civilians as Sawyer, Stockbridge,
Stewart and Paddock to the Senate,
s9-ms to indicate that they are not 60
Ing to make themselves liable to the i'm
pntation of packing that body with
Union veterans. The brave boys should
Begin to make note of the many Sights
= Aich they are now receiving at the
hands of their pretended friends.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

There is no more reason why a post
master should be appointed by the pres
ident than that a sheriff should be ap-
pointed by the governor. The people
of each locality are generally the best
Judges of the kind of men they want TO
serve them officially, and until a large
portion of the appointing power is taken
from the president and given to the
people we viii enjoy no civil service re-
form. And the same may be said Ill
regard to eleeting L. S. senators, for
they, especially, should be elected by
the people, and if this was done a great
deal of hob-nobbing, scheming, ETC.,
would be done away with, which now
finds favor with corporations, monopo-
lists, etc.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

Female suffrage is the next craze
that Kansas has to contend with. The
time is not far distant when women
can go to the polls and vote, if the
signs at Topeka are worth anything.
Kansas is going to be advertised if she
has to sacrifice the m0desty and virtue
Of her women to accomplish that end.
Municipal government may be benefit
ted by this innovation, but the home
circle will nOt.-SOlinG Herald.
We cannot see why woman's mod
esty and virtue should be sacrificed by
being allowed the ballot, on the other
hand, we believe the ballot in their
hands would tend to purify the "mOd-
esty and virtue" of the men during
political campaigns, and at the ballot
box. And again, if the men would
strive as much to benefit the home
circle'' as the women, home would in
deed be happy place, and there would
be no need Of weary hours, sleepless
nights, heart aches, etc., by the wife,
mother, Or sister, over the sacrificed
modesty and virtue of the father,
husband, and son, in dissipation, late
hours, etc. AS for us, we are perfectly
willing for the women to have the bal
lot if they want it, and we fear no evil
result to her virtue or the home circle
by giving her that right.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

The celebrated frankie Morris case.
against the insurance companies, which
has excited so much interest all over
the country, came to an end on Monday
evening last, the jury finding a verdict
for the plaintiff, which will amount in
toto, to about 600. The victory is
a great one for our townsman, Hon. j.
R. Burton, who acted as counsel for
Frankie, assisted by Messrs. Fenlon
and HOckney. We congratulate him
heartily.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

The Senate has passed an amendment
changing the date of the Inauguration
OF the president from the 4th of March
to the S0th of April, and as it is an
amendment in the right direction the
Rouse should adopt it. This change
would likely give us better weather for
tie inaugural ceremonies, and would be
a better time for the drawing together
O. thousands upon thousands of people
tn witness the occasion, and again, it
would give the short session more time
for work, which is so much needed.
The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-01-27

The county is suffering from an over
dose of grand jury. Administered
three times year in such heavy doses
as sc have had in the past year, the
grand jury will swamp our tax payers.
- Laurence Gazette.
We trust our county commissioners
Viii profit by reading the above. The
REFLECTOR is certain that the people
Of dickinson county do not want such a
load, for their load of taxes is now
heavy enough to make them stagger
L lGeI it.